The renowned Broadway show "Chicago" is about to receive a fresh Latino twist with the arrival of one of the region's biggest music stars: Sebastián Yatra.
The acclaimed Colombian singer and songwriter, famous for international hits like "Dos Oruguitas" from 'Encanto' and the catchy "Tacones Rojos, " is ready to take on a new challenge in his career: stepping onto the Broadway stage.
He announced it himself: "I have been keeping this secret for a long time, but FINALLY, I can tell you that I will be starring on BROADWAY in the play CHICAGO🤵🏻♂️♥️🗽🥲 I can't stop being surprised and grateful to life for these special opportunities. I remember going to see Ricky Martin in 'Evita' 12 years ago before launching my career as an artist, and now, to be about to live that same dream blows my mind!! 🤯 See you on BROADWAY!! And... Billy Flynn, now Colombian ✌🏻😎 (the dates appear at the end of this little video we made for you with much love)."
Billy Flynn: A Lawyer Who Knows How to Manipulate Public Opinion
The role of Billy Flynn is crucial in the plot of "Chicago." Flynn is a cunning and evil lawyer, a master when it comes to manipulating public opinion and the media to win the most complex cases. Specializing in defending women accused of murder, his pragmatism and cynicism make him one of the musical's most intriguing and complex characters. Sebastián Yatra will takes this role's reins, bringing his personal style and talent to the longest-running production in Broadway history.
Theatre greats and a Latin artist have portrayed the role. Richard Gere, who played Billy Flynn in the play's inspiration movie "Chicago," is the one most people remember.
Latinos on Broadway: Those who came before Yatra
Yatra is not the first Latino artist to be part of "Chicago." Figures like Bianca Marroquín, who has shone as Roxie Hart, or Ana Villafañe and Jaime Camil have also left their mark on the prestigious stage.
Marroquín, a native of Mexico, has played Roxie on numerous occasions, winning the hearts of the audience with her unique style and ability to represent the Hispanic community in one of the most famous theatres in the world. Jaime Camil, also Mexican, triumphed in 2016 with his portrayal of Billy Flynn.
Yatra has acted before
Known primarily for his music career -he released "Los Domingos," the first single of his new album last weekend- Yatra has expanded his talents into acting over the past few years. He first gained significant attention for his acting skills in the Netflix series "Érase una vez... Pero ya no" (Once Upon a Time... But Not Anymore) in 2022. In this musical romantic comedy series, Yatra showcased his ability to combine his musical talents with acting, gaining positive reviews for his natural on-screen presence and charisma.
He also had a small part in Emma Robert's "Space Cadet," available on Prime Video.
Moreover, Yatra voiced the character of Mariano in Disney's "Encanto," further broadening his range as a performer. His involvement in "Encanto" highlighted his vocal talent and his versatility as an entertainer, contributing to his growing reputation as a multi-talented artist.
With his upcoming role as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago,' Yatra is poised to significantly impact Broadway, further solidifying his status as a versatile performer who can successfully navigate both the music and acting worlds. His transition from music stages to acting on Broadway exemplifies his commitment to expanding his artistic horizons and engaging with diverse audiences.
@netflixlat @sebastianyatra en un cuento de hadas, qué F A N T A S Í A 🧚♀️✨ ‘Érase una vez pero ya no’ llega el 11 de marzo. #EraseUnaVezPeroYaNo #SebastianYatra #Netflix #ParaTi
♬ Tráiler. Érase una vez pero ya no. - Netflix Latinoamérica
Sebastián Yatra's Excitement to Debut on Broadway
For Yatra, this debut represents the realization of a dream. The artist expressed his enthusiasm for being part of such an iconic show, highlighting the opportunity to learn and grow alongside a talented cast.
"Bringing my art to Broadway is something I've always dreamed of. Seeing artists like Ricky Martin succeed on Broadway has inspired me, and now it's my turn to put all my effort and dedication into this new challenge with 'Chicago.'"
Yatra will debut in a special performance at the iconic Ambassador Theatre in New York from November 25 to December 22, 2024.
Information on tickets to catch Yatra on Broadway can be found by clicking here.
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